Step1
In a perfect situation once you hit 30 you are on your way to establishing yourself with a career and becoming emotionally and financially secure. Every situation is different though and perhaps you are just getting started with planning what you want to do with the rest of your life.
No matter what your situation is you should start thinking about retirement. Although it is still decades away, it will come faster then you plan on. So getting yourself prepared as early as possible is of course the best thing to do.
Step2
If you are married or in a long term relationship where you two are very committed to each other then discuss it with them. See where they stand with their plans for the future. It really needs to be discussed seriously and your goals need to be similar.
Step3
Look over your income and monthly expenses. This is essential in seeing just where your money is going and how much money you make. Seeing it right in front of you is hard to deny, so it is important to list everything you spend your money on.
Check the retirement plans that your work may offer such as a 401K plan. Make sure that you understand everything that you need to know about the retirement plan options and ask questions if necessary.
Step4
It is also very important to have health insurance coverage. See what health plan coverages your job offers ad choose the right one for you. If your work doesn't offer any then look around for the one best suited for you. You never know when an accident may happen or a health scare so it is essential to be covered. If you are not it may cost you thousands or more in the long run.
It is very important to plan out a budget and to stick to that budget. Living within a budget can help you to financially secure yourself and pay all your bills. Of course it can be hard to do this in the beginning but you should get used to it once it becomes a routine.
Step5
You should save a portion even if it is small of your income every check. Open a savings account and place that money in there for a rainy day or to start planning for your retirement. Even if it a very small amount of your check say $10-$20 it is something and a good place to start. It can really add up quickly.
Looking at where your money goes is very important to learning ways to save. For instance instead of making a coffee run every morning brew your own at home. If you are in hurry make instant coffee. It will save you over $4 a day these days. That adds up to a lot of money in a year.
Step6
Look at the other small things that you may purchase that is not necessary. When you are shopping ask yourself questions like "Do I really need this right now?" It can help you to think before you purchase.
If you have credit cards, use them wisely. Do not have them maxed out all the time. not only is that not good for your credit but it is also not going to help you ever get rid of credit card debt. Try paying them off and only keep one for emergencies. if you only pay off the minimum monthly necessary payment will keep you in debt for a very long time.
Step7
Look at places that you can invest your money. Long term investing can be great for your future as well as right now. There are many benefits in ling term investing such as ~
Saving on current taxes by being in a pre-tax salary reduction plan.
You can qualify for more things like a mortgage if they see you have an investment.
You can borrow from some retirement plans without having taxes and penalties fees.
Step8
Instead of putting it off and thinking it is years away so you will worry about it later, think about it today. It is going to help you live a better life after retirement as well as today. You will have back up plans in case anything happens as well as preparing for your future.
Just think about how much more you can have in savings and investments if you start today rather then say 10 or even 20 years from now. The early you start the better off you will be!
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